Buying a Business Phone Number

Step by step

Buy a number in about two minutes

Click Search at the top of your screen and type Phone Numbers, then open it.

1

Open the search

Click + Add Number, then Add Phone Number. A search window opens.

2

Pick your country

Choose your Country first. Then click Filter to narrow the list.

3

Set your filters

Search for digits or a pattern, and choose whether the number must handle Voice, SMS, or MMS. Then choose Local or Toll-Free.

4

Pick a number

Not seeing one you like? Click Refresh Results. When you find one, click it.

5

Proceed to buy

Click Proceed to Buy and read the screen. It shows what the number can do, its type, whether an address is needed, and the monthly cost.

6

Confirm and test

Fill in any identity or address request, confirm, and find your number at the top of the list. Call it and text it from your cell.

Compare

Choosing the right kind of number

Two choices change how your number looks and works.

A familiar area code

Local numbers have a regular area code, like 817. Pick one when you want customers to see a number that feels close to home.

Good for a wide reach

Toll-free numbers start with 800, 888, and similar. Pick one when you serve people all over the country.

Voice, SMS, and MMS

Keep Voice and SMS checked if you want to call and text from one number.

SMS is a regular text
MMS is a text with a picture or video
A voice-only number cannot send texts

Key terms

Definitions

Tap any term to expand it.

A number with a regular area code, like 817.

A number that starts with 800, 888, or a similar code.

SMS is a plain text. MMS is a text that includes a picture or video.

Extra proof of your address or identity that some numbers ask for before you buy.

Help me do it

Things To Do

Finish these before moving to the next lesson. They only take a few minutes.

0 of 3 done

Open Add Phone Number and browse, but do not buy yet unless you are ready.

Try the Local filter, then the Toll-Free filter, and notice what each shows.

Look at the capability labels on the results and find one that handles both Voice and SMS.

⚡ Tips

Always keep Voice and SMS checked if you want to call and text from the same number.
Read the price on the buy screen. It repeats each month, so only buy numbers you plan to use.
Identity or address checks are normal. They help carriers know you are a real business.
If you delete a number by accident, contact support quickly. Getting it back is not guaranteed.

Check yourself

Quick Knowledge Check

Answer a few quick questions to lock in what you just learned. Miss one and we'll show you the right answer.

0 of 4 answered

Which choice buys a new phone number?

A number that only handles voice cannot do what?

True or false: the monthly price of a number repeats each month.

A text that includes a picture or video is called an ____.

Help me apply it

Try This With Your Favorite AI

Copy a prompt below and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or whatever AI tool you use. Fill in the bracketed details and it'll help you write your own version for your business.

🔍 Choose my number type

You are a friendly phone setup advisor helping me decide on a business number. My context: - [my business and where my customers live] - [whether I serve one area or the whole country] - [whether I want to call, text, or both] Give me: - A pick between Local and Toll-Free with a plain reason - Which of Voice, SMS, and MMS I should keep checked - A short list of digit patterns I could search for Use simple words and keep it under 200 words. Finish by asking me: "Do you want to call, text, or both from this number?"

✅ Build my buy checklist

You are a careful setup assistant helping me prepare to buy a phone number in my software. My context: - [my business name and type] - [the name I want on the number] - [who will use the number] Give me: - A checklist of what to check on the buy screen - A short test plan for calling and texting the new number - A note on what to do if I need an address or identity check Keep each item to one line and do not mention any prices. Finish by asking me: "What is the first thing you plan to test after you buy?"